Daily Slideshow: Exhilarating Roads to Take With Your Ford Truck

Where we're going, you (barely) need roads.

By Geoff Castaneda - March 13, 2018

Off the Beaten Path

Sometimes I find myself struggling to break out of the weekday routine. One workday turns into two, two days turn into a week, and before I know it, I've been incarcerated by the mundane lifestyle of highway and city driving. At the end of a long week, sometimes I just need to take my F150 out for a trip to Destination Unknown. Most of the time, the journey itself is worth the time and effort. Here are 5 (mostly) dirt roads I would love the escape to in the near future.

White Rim Trail, Utah

Located in Utah, the White Rim Trail is a 100-mile loop that goes below the Island in the Sky mesa and has views for days. The National Park Service rates the trail as being moderately difficult for high clearance four-wheel drive vehicles. Also popular with mountain bike riders, White Rim offers steep, exposed trails which provide a pucker-factor for both off-roaders and bike riders alike. Make sure your truck is capable of making the trek as towing expenses can cost you over $1,000, and good luck seeing other signs of civilization. The White Rim Trail has rocky stretches, deep sand, and almost no shade so hydration is key. Sadly, you'll have to leave Rover at home as pets are not allowed. Nonetheless, White Rim's campsites are good for up to 15 people and 3 vehicles.

Denali Highway, Alaska

Alaska is a time capsule home to some of the US's most beautiful and undeveloped land. If you can handle gravel roads and limited services, this might be your next road trip. The Denali Highway opened in 1957 in order to provide access to the Denali National Park and covers 135 miles in total. Legendary for the big game that once and sometimes still roam the area, the Denali Highway has a rich history as it contains evidence of some of the earliest human occupation in North America. The road itself can be brutal as it's mostly unpaved and littered with potholes and washed out areas. Of course, if you feel like having some fun, turn off the traction control and apply the throttle generously.

Ruta 40, Argentina

Should you feel the need to take your Ford into international territory I've got you covered. The Ruta 40 in Argentina was created in 1935 and spans almost the entire length of the country. That's a whopping 3,100 miles. Hopefully your truck has the extended range tank. Ruta 40 borders the Andes mountains and goes through the Patagonia, Cuyo, and Northwest regions. Given its immense length the geography and the climate shift significantly through the trip. You'll face cold in the plateaus and mountains, dry weather in the Cuyo region, and subtropical conditions in the valleys which are home to numerous vineyards. 3,100 miles should be plenty of time to find out what you and your truck are made of.

Dades Gorge, Morocco

This spectacular road in Morocco will take you into the Dades Valley, home to some of the region's best areas. Four-wheel drive is once again preferred and will ensure you get to your destination of choice. Toss your hiking, rafting, or fishing gear in the bed of your truck and you're set. Whether you prefer narrow roads like the one pictured above or the Dades canyons, the Dades Gorge is your lifeline to this amazing part of Morocco. The Dades Valley covers around 100 miles from Ouarzazate to Tineghir and is home to some of the most beautiful Kasbahs.

Sani Pass, Lesotho

Rounding out the fever for international travel, the Sani Pass from KwaZulu Natal to Lesotho is perfect for someone with enough *ahem* "gusto" to tackle it. This gravel road features hair-raising switchbacks into the Drakensberg mountains and is not for the faint of heart. Should you accept this challenge, you'll be rewarded with cliffside views, high mountains, waterfalls, and flowers. You'll need at least 2 days to complete the full trip but most good things do take time. Heck, there's even a pub along the way. If you add the Sani Pass to your bucket list, act quickly as it's been reported that the Chinese plan to pave the road for mining purposes in the near future.